The Legacy has always been a key model in the Subaru family.
Over the past 20 years, 3.6 million have been sold.
Besides sheer numbers, it has also been instrumental in raising the overall image of the marque.
It was the Legacy RS that led Subaru’s foray into the World Rally Championship.
Though a first-timer, the car did remarkably well and the lessons learnt were put to good use when Subaru came up with the Impreza WRX.
The WRX is one of the most successful cars in the history of the WRC series.
Legacy Outback has a cabin layout that accentuates and already voluminous interior.
In Japan, the high-performance variants of the Legacy wagon have captured a strong following and even developed something of a cult status.
The fifth generation of the Legacy will thus be greeted with great anticipation by Subaru fans.
First of the new range to arrive is the Legacy Outback, the steroid-endowed Legacy variant branded as a crossover vehicle.
Besides a raised ride height, the Legacy Outback wears flared fenders, beefy bumpers and huge 17-inch tyres to give it the supposed rugged look.
Styling is, to put it mildly, controversial. The new Legacy Outback has grown in all dimensions and certainly looks big and imposing.
However, the design – with its curious mix of curves, edges and lines – is not a fully coherent one.
Button-activated parking brake is an added convenience in the Legacy Outback.
Some will like its dare-to-be-different appearance; others will simply be put off.
Having had a really good look at the styling of the current crop of Subarus, perhaps it is time for Fuji Heavy Industries to either turn to a design house or do a full revamp of its own styling studios.
While the body may be the subject of intense debate, the cabin should please everyone.
The Legacy Outback is extremely roomy.
There’s loads of head, elbow and legroom, and five adults can be seated quite comfortably without the need for unwanted contact.
The hip-height seats are at the ideal level for entering and exiting the car, so there is no need to climb up or bend down.
CVT is surprisingly direct, with the Si-Drive knob allowing the
possibility of further sharpening responses.
Quality has taken a quantum leap.
Trim and materials now look and feel good, with minimum use of hard plastics.
The use of brushed aluminium inserts for the fascia and doors help raise cabin ambience quite a bit.
Singapore-bound cars will, thankfully, have a proper factory-fitted stereo rather than the bright and glaring locally fitted eyesore in the test car.
Generously sized door pockets and centre console ensure that there is ample storage space for stuff.
Four cup holders for front and rear occupants take care of the needs of thirsty people.
Sequential gear selector gives more control than leaving the shifter in “D”.
Passenger safety is optimised by front, side and curtain airbags.
Two versions of the Legacy Outback will be imported: the 3.6R and the 2.5i, with the latter expected to make up the bulk of local sales.
The familiar 2.5-litre boxer engine has been revised. With just 167bhp, the new unit scores on refinement rather than sheer outright power.
It revs willingly and smoothly up to its 5600rpm redline.
Of greater significance is the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
It features six pre-programmed ratios to emulate the “gears” in a regular cog box.
Legacy Outback has a 2.5-litre flat-4 that scores high on refinement.
Throttle response is entirely dependant on how you set the Si-Drive, first introduced when the outgoing Legacy was updated.
The default mode marked “I” (for intelligent!) concerns itself with fuel economy.
Accelerator response is decidedly leisurely.
Setting it to “Sport” (or S) wakes up both the throttle and transmission.
The most aggressive setting – “S#” – will keep engine revs higher with lower drive ratios.
Enjoying the Legacy Outback requires constant switching among the three modes: “I” for cruising; “S” when you need to overtake or accelerate to join expressways, before returning to “I”; and “S#” only when you feel aggressive or want some fun.
Plenty of cargo space in the wagon body form, but the loading sill is high.
But the revs drive dramatically and will get tiresome on long runs.
CVTs have suffered a bad rep for being lethargic and whinny, but it makes a convincing case in the Outback.
The box does wonders for fuel economy. Subaru claims a combined fuel consumption of 11km/L – a figure far better than other Subs with torque converter automatic can manage.
For Singapore road conditions, the urban fuel consumption figure of 8.3km/L seems more realistic and easily achievable.
The Legacy Outback feels more softly sprung than its predecessor. Obviously, this crossover vehicle was tuned to pamper rather than excite.
With the compromise shifted in favour of comfort rather than handling, the Legacy Outback drives more like a tall station wagon than a sporty hatchback.
Luggage area is wide, deep and very useful for carrying large items.
The loading sill is a little high, so watch your back when loading heavy and bulky items.
Like most Subarus, the new Legacy Outback 2.5i is a bit of an enigma.
It looks different, drives differently and will appeal to people who want something different.
Yes, Subaru cars have character, and possibly the biggest legacy this Legacy Outback will provide is being unique.
And that’s the selling point of this Legacy Outback.
Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2457cc
Type Flat-4, 16-valves
Bore x stroke 99.6mm x 79mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 167bhp at 5600rpm
Max torque 229Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 109.9bhp per tonne
TRANSMISSION
Type CVT with 6-speed override
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 10.4 seconds
Top speed 198km/h
Consumption 11km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama Geolandar H/T
Size 225/60 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4775mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1615mm
Wheelbase 2745mm
Kerb weight 1520kg
Turning circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price excl. COE $107,000
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Huge cabin, overall refinement, lots of character
– Controversial styling, leisurely CVT in default mode, high loading sill
